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Coins play role in cancer fight

Funding research to cure breast cancer is an important goal of the new Breast Cancer Awareness commemorative coin program.

At the launch ceremony March 15 in Washington, D.C., Rep. Carolyn Maloney said, “Not only will sales of these coins help spread awareness, they also have the potential to raise up to $8 million in private funds for breast cancer research without any cost to taxpayers. This coin program takes us another step closer to finding a cure.”

Maloney was a congressional co-sponsor who first introduced the commemorative legislation in Congress.

She was joined by Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, who had joined her in co-sponsoring the original legislation.

“As a survivor of breast cancer, I know personally how critical it is that we raise awareness about this disease. Breast cancer impacts millions of women and families across this country,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an honor to join my colleagues and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation today.”

Sessions said, “For the past two years, I have been proud to join my friends and colleagues in leading this effort to generate funds for breast cancer research.”

The important role of the coin program in research was acknowledged.

“We will eradicate breast cancer, and support from the commemorative coin program will help us achieve our mission even faster,” said Myra Biblowit, Breast Cancer Research Foundation president.

“I am so thankful to BCRF for being so vigilant and dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and for giving me the opportunity to represent all young breast cancer patients and survivors today,” said 27-year-old breast cancer survivor Melissa Miller.

The U.S. Mint noted in its announcement that BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world.